Child Action and the real cost of child care

Start here

Use this book when you need help paying for care or want to compare the true weekly cost.

Your fastest path:

Confirm funding details directly with Child Action before relying on assistance in your family budget.

Start with Child Action

Child Action serves Sacramento County families with child care referrals and several forms of financial assistance.

Different programs have different requirements. These may include CalWORKs child care, Alternative Payment Programs, Head Start, State Preschool, or another funded option.

Use Child Action's official assistance page to check current options. You can also call (916) 369-0191 for help with an application.

Join the Child Care Eligibility List

The Child Care Eligibility List, commonly called the CEL, connects one application with multiple subsidized programs in Sacramento County.

Joining the CEL is an important first step, but it does not guarantee immediate funding or placement. Child Action advises families to update their CEL information every six months, or sooner when income, address, or family size changes.

After applying:

Eligibility depends on your situation

Child Action may ask about household income, family size, your child's age, the reason care is needed, and the schedule of care.

Families who receive CalWORKs, recently stopped receiving it, or participate in Welfare-to-Work may follow a different path. Contact your CalWORKs worker and Child Action so you receive guidance for your situation.

Avoid relying on an old income chart or social media post. Funding, eligibility rules, and program availability can change. Child Action is the authority on what applies to your family.

Using assistance with a provider

Some assistance programs allow a family to choose an eligible licensed provider. Other programs connect families with specific sites or networks.

T.L.C. Footprints accepts Child Action assistance. Child Action must confirm whether your approval can be used here, how much it covers, and whether your family will have a fee.

Tell both Child Action and the provider about the schedule you need. An approval and a provider opening must match your child's age and requested care schedule.

Compare the complete cost

Weekly tuition is only one part of the cost. Ask every provider about:

Write the answers in the same format for each provider. A lower weekly number may not be the lower total once supplies, meals, and other policies are included.

T.L.C. Footprints cost snapshot

T.L.C. Footprints publishes current weekly rates on the Programs page. Tuition is based on enrollment and reserving the child's space, not the number of days attended during a particular week.

A $150 non-refundable enrollment deposit is required to reserve your child's childcare space.

Breakfast, an AM snack, and a PM snack are provided. Families provide lunch. Age-specific supplies are reviewed before the first day.

Your next steps

If assistance may help your family:

Information reviewed in October 2026. Confirm current program rules and availability with Child Action.